Mainland stocks end month with gain, lifted by Greek debt talks

SHANGHAI - Stocks on the Chinese mainland rose on Tuesday, driving the benchmark index to its best January performance since 2009, as Greece made progress in debt-swap talks and on speculation the Chinese government will encourage pension funds to invest in equities.

Huaneng Power International Inc, the listed unit of China's largest electricity producer, rose 2.4 percent on prospects a cap on coal prices will bolster earnings this year.

Sany Heavy Industry Co climbed 1.6 percent after the company said it will buy a majority stake in a German machinery maker. Angang Steel Co slid the most in two months after the steelmaker estimated a loss for 2011.